Pixel 10th July Edition

ISSUE NO. 898

NX300 - WINNER BEST ADVANCED CSC

NX300 - WINNER BEST ADVANCED CSC

X-M1 Arrives

Photo - imaging - video - audio - tv - Print - mobile - stats - PeoPle - retail - business - news

News The Big Interview Celebrating 40 years in business this year, Kenro’s range has expanded to ensure relevance to the growing and spreading imaging audience. Pixel speaks to Paul Kench, MD, about the role of the albums and frames in a digital age and excelling at the challenge of remaining relevant to today’s consumer.

Gone in 60 Seconds A survey of 3,000 people conducted

by Samsung has revealed Brits take on average 1.86 billion photos a month, with more than half stating they share their shots online within a week. It’s not just the volume of shots that’s staggering; it’s the speed at which they share them. Every 60 seconds in Britain 749 photos are shot and shared immediately. That means 1.1 million photos a day are ‘gone in 60 seconds’.

The rise of shooting and sharing is showing no signs of slowing down 7% of under 35 year olds now share their shots online within 25 seconds.

Olympus Update App Olympus have just released update 2.0 for their image sharing app OI.Share.

The app is now available to Android users for the first time, allowing images taken on a compatible Olympus camera (using a FlashAir memory card) to be shared without the need for cables.

The app also contains Olympus Art Filters which can be added to images already stored.

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10th July 2013

Third model for Fujifilm’s premium CSC line expand’s the range’s audience.

Compact and lightweight, the new X-M1 brings the outstanding design, picture quality and performance of the X-Pro1 and X-E1 cameras to a broader scope of users.

The Fujjifilm X-M1’s sensor offers picture quality comparable to that of full-frame sensors. Its processor is incredibly fast, with a start-up time of 0.5 seconds; shutter lag of 0.05 seconds and maximum burst speed of 5.6 frames per second. The X-M1 is also capable of full HD video.

Designed to enable one handed operation with intuitive and quick selection of functions,

the X-M1 weighs just 330 grams and features new dial-based navigation.

Also attractive to users buying a CSC for the first time: Fujifilm’s Super i-Flash technology regulates flash intensity according to the scene. In addition to all these features, wireless connectivity allows the user to instantly transfer images to a mobile device or computer using the free “Fujifilm Camera App”. Users can also view and import images to the camera from a smartphone or tablet, and retrieve location data to add the information to pictures.

The X-M1’s retro design,inherited from the X Pro 1, will be available in black, silver and brown.

The show MUSt GO ON Events teams work to fill void left by the closure of Focus on Imaging.

Since the news broke that Focus on Imaging 2013 was to have been the last, it has become evident very quickly that the imaging industry will not consign such an event to history and many have debated a successor to the longrunning show. The first to confirm a time and place was Future Publishing, who have announced ‘The Photography Show’, which is to take place at the NEC over similar dates to Focus’ historical slot.

Life Media Group have announced London Imaging Live - an event that builds on the heritage of Focus, whilst also embracing the expanding world of imaging. As its name suggests, the event will take place at London’s Excel on 27th-30th March 2014.

“As an industry, we need to encourage existing and new end users, inspiring their enthusiasm for imaging as a hobby or career and encouraging future investment,”explains LMG’s MD Lee Mansfield. “We recognise the importance of attracting key enthusiast consumers

with an appealing spread of education; dynamic, inspirational attractions and equipment. Working with media partners including Bauer and IPC, LMG’s event will reach a comprehensive cross-section of today’s imaging consumers “Our intention is for the greater good for our trade and we intend to bring all relevant manufacturers together to develop this event with us, to produce an incredible imaging showcase that will benefit consumers, manufacturers and retailers alike.”

More on these events next issue.

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THE INSIDER

Saying what you’re thinking and asking the difficult questions. Each week the Insider reports from the front line of our industry The advantage of running a little late with submitting my Pixel column… slap on the wrist from Pixel notwithstanding – is that sometimes it enables me to pick up topics that break as the magazine goes to print. Take this issue for example. Being a last-minute merchant has allowed me to watch a very interesting situation unfold as former Iceland and Wickes boss Bill Grimsey announced his alternative to the Portas Review, and it’s certainly more of a ‘reality check’ than Mary, Queen of Shops’ version.

In essence, the report – which is backed by others, including Asda’s Andrew Clarke – says that the high street, as the retail destination that we remember of old, is gone and isn’t coming back. And whilst that’s a bitter pill

for us in the retail trade to swallow, didn’t we know that, really? Any notion of future glory days for high street stores in their original incarnations varied between optimistic and delusional, and Grimsey accepts that. He sees a future in which shops are on the high street, but as part of a whole different ecosystem which takes into account consumers’ desire to shop online, and the role of the high street as part of a community. Personally, I think this more realistic attitude is what’s going to set Grimsey’s proposal apart, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this develops.

Editor’s note: We will be speaking to Bill Grimsey and reporting on this in full in a coming issue – watch this space.

Accesorise with Nikon Boost CSC profits with must-have add-ons Nikon and acclaimed British designer J.W. Anderson have joined forces to create a luxury leather camera bag made for the sleek and stylish Nikon 1 camera system.

Taking inspiration from classic 1940s camera cases and Jonathan’s signature style, the bag is as versatile as the Nikon 1 itself, with space for a camera plus more than one lens. This is the first time Nikon has collaborated with a fashion house.

Only 400 of the limited edition bags will be available,

from Monday 17th June 2013. Priced at £85, they come in four colours: black, white, blue and orange.

J.W. Anderson says of his collaboration with Nikon: “Photography is just as much of an art form as fashion, so the partnership made complete sense to me. Taking pictures is integral to what I do – I take thousands during the creation of a collection – and I have always ensured my designs are accessible for everyone, just as photography is.

Sony Launches New Cyber-shot RX100 II

New MFT Lens from Panasonic

Update for the RX100 offers NFC.

Versatile addition to the family.

The new Cyber-shot RX100 II builds on the quality of the RX100, and delivers even better results indoors or at dusk without a flash. The newly Exmor R 1.0-type CMOS sensor increases sensitivity while reducing noise in low-light and the new tilt screen makes composing shots easy.

It’s also the first ever camera from Sony with both WiFi and NFC, offering One-touch connection with smartphones and tablets. The new Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal, which allow an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash and stereo microphone.

Panasonic has released a new single focal length lens, the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 II ASPH. (H-H020A).

Joining Panasonic’s well regarded family of digital interchangeable lenses based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, this model is compact and lightweight.

The versatile 20mm focal distance (equivalent to 40mm on a 35mm film camera) is suitable for a wide variety of occasions from daily snapshots, to beautiful sceneries like sunsets, and dimly lit indoor shots taking advantage of its beautiful soft focus. The new lens supports Contrast AF system for high precision auto focusing.

PHOTO

News Head for Harrogate Kenro will be using the upcoming Harrogate Home & Gift Show to showcase their new range of over 30 new frames, a fresh selection of designer albums, a new assortment of wooden photo frames and more albums aimed at a wide range of the public. All lines provide retailers with excellent profit opportunities.

Kenro will also have two new point-ofsale stands, allowing retailers to display a comprehensive range of products in a space efficient manner, and a new trade brochure to help retailers make their choices.

The Show opens at the Harrogate International Centre 14 -17 July.

DirekTek Heroes Day In Aid of Help For Heroes DirekTek have raised a fantastic £291.45 for Help for Heroes by running an office charity day last month DirekTek staff were encouraged to dress as heroes for the day with some fun and inventive fancy dress contributions!

The main highlights included a raffle offering a range of great prizes, as well as a bake sale with a range of donations of goodies. Prizes were also awarded to the best dressed and the best cake.

Help For Heroes is a great cause that DirekTek felt they could really get behind. The staff didn’t disappoint, raising more than 3 times their initial fundraising target on the day.

DirekTek would like to thank Canon and Sony who kindly donated some fantastic cameras for the raffle. Also thanks go to everyone that contributed amazing cakes for the bake sale and everyone who contributed to the grand total for the day.

For more information please contact Rebecca on 01494 768 613 or email rebecca.marshall@direktek.co.uk

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News

New offer Gives Purchasers of Olympus PEN Lite & Mini a Bonus Pancake Lens From now until 15 September 2013 Olympus are offering a bonus M.ZUIKO 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens with the purchase of any PEN E-PL5 or E-PM2 body or kit from authorised stockists.

The offer will be promoted throughout the Olympus dealer network, both instore and online, with artwork provided

by Olympus user and street photographer Adam Thirtle. His shot entitled “CCTV” perfectly illustrates the off-the-cuff style achievable with the pancake lens and an eye for a photo opportunity.

Shine a Light on Macro Ideally suited for the amateur and professional photographer who enjoys macro work as well as portrait and fashion photography, the lights’ 49 LEDs allow for a shadow-free and consistent illumination on the subject.

Due to its ring-design, light is evenly distributed around the subject to produce truly professional results.

The ring is versatile with a 60 degree tilting feature and dimmable brightness and a lifetime LED of 100,000 hours. Its long-operating life eliminates the need to routinely replace bulbs.

For ultimate convenience, the Light can be powered by a DC Power Adapter or two AA batteries. Performing at 100%, it has an 80 minute operating time, increasing to 160 minutes at 50%.

Included with the LED Macro Ring Light are a RRL 49-Makro, six Adapter rings, a Universal mount, a Sony Adapter Shoe and a Hot Shoe. The new Reflecta LED Macro Ring Light is available now, SRP of £84.78

Softly, Softly...

New at JP distribution are Westcott`s new line of PRO softboxes, which offer the same quality found in the 1000w softboxes for a fraction of the cost.

For use with hot lights, strobes or LED`s these softboxes are a perfect fit for any photographer or videographer. Westcott boxes feature only the finest quality fabrics and are backed by a 5 year warranty.

Diffusion materials are among the purest on the market meaning virtually no colour shift.

Meet Optical Hardware Optical Hardware, based in Yorkshire, distributes one of the largest ranges of binoculars, telescopes and accessories available from any supplier in Europe With their own workshop facilities in the UK and close working relationship with factories abroad, Optical Hardware have the ability to manufacture to special order, making OEM provision possible, as well as supplying a huge range of product from stock.

Justifibly proud of their “always in stock” policy, Optical Hardware aim to keep their 500+ product inventory available in the UK at all times, so that dealers can be supplied very quickly with whatever they need, whenever they need it.

Optical Hardware have built a reputation for being able to supply products to solve problems and this is particularly evident in their vast range of digiscoping accessories. Through the Visionary and Olivon brands, they have a huge range of digiscope solutions to serve this big-money market.

Main brands include Visionary

and Ostara, both of which are the company’s own products.

They are also the UK and Eire distributors for Oivon.

The Visionary stable offers consumer optics ranging in retail price from the entry level of around £10 to over £400.

The extensive range includes binoculars, telescopes, tripods, magnifiers, adaptors and convertors, which are frequently suported with advertising in the consumer press. Ostara is Optical Hardware’s resident specialist brand. Retail price of Ostara products start around £200, and the range extends to premium products around £3000.

Optical Hardware do not supply directly to consumers - all of their sales are made through their dealers. Stockists are listed on the Optical Hardware website and the many consumer enquiries are directed to the nearest stockist. www.opticalhardware.co.uk

WPS takes on Ultimate Power Choose Film Couple!

WPS takes over Fujifilm’s film site to form a new indie

WPS Media, the photo marketing company, has taken over the running of the fujilab. co.uk online shop and ChooseFilm, the online community dedicated to traditional film, to form a new independent photo dealer, www.PhotoUK.co.uk.

The new PhotoUK website carries a wide range of films from Fujifilm, Kodak and Ilford to help satisfy the appetite of photographers dedicated to the traditional medium. As well as film, PhotoUK will also stock an extended range of other photographic products of interest to traditional photographers.

WPS Media Managing Director, Darron Hartas, made this comment: “Everyone at WPS Media is delighted with the response we have received for our latest venture.

We’ve worked closely with Fujifilm on the ChooseFilm project since its launch in 2007 and we’re looking forward to continually expanding PhotoUK with the support of the ChooseFilm members, together with the wider photographic community.”

Great deal on combo

Kenro, the official UK distributors of Nissin Flash Guns, are offering photographers an exclusive deal when purchasing the Nissin MG 8000 Extreme Flash Gun together with the PS 8 Power Pack. This new bundle deal represents a substantial saving compared to buying them separately.

As the MG 8000 keeps its cool under pressure, it can maintain its guide number meaning no more underexposed images caused by over-heating. When tested, the Nissin MG 8000 can produce over 1000 full flashes without any fear of overheating; that’s three times more than a general flash.

The unit, which features the world’s highest “Machine Gun” strobe, boasts an impressive recycle time of just three seconds for the first 200 shots, and then five to seven seconds for subsequent frames, making it ideal for photographers who work fast and furiously.

The Nissin MG 8000 is compatible with the E-TTL, E-TTL II (Canon) and i-TTL (Nikon) SLR cameras.

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PHOTO

Another World First from Samsung

Samsung has launched the Galaxy NX, the world’s first 4G interchangeable lens Connected Compact System Camera Versatile and easy to use, the Galaxy NX combines cutting edge optical performance with connectivity capabilities and Android applications.

Simon Stanford, Vice President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung UK & Ireland said: “The aim of this device is to combine the high image quality associated with the NX camera with the ease of use and speed of 4G capability with Android. Perfect for taking incredible images and sharing them quickly.”

Borrowed from Samsung’s latest smartphones, the new Photo Suggest feature gives location-based recommendations of popular

photography spots, sourced from a huge library of images.

True 3D Creator also allows the user to shoot images and movies in 3D with Samsung’s 45mm 2D/3D lens.

With Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the camera can offer the functionality of a smartphone, with a huge array of Android apps to help personalise and add to the device.

The Galaxy NX will be available to buy in the UK as a 4G variant that supports 3G this summer.

News Nikon moves UK Distribution to the Netherlands Nikon UK is to consolidate its current UK distribution centre into a single distribution hub based in the Netherlands from August onwards.

Nikon have confirmed that they will continue to operate a local UK customer service operation, for all order taking and appointment scheduling.

Given the additional transit time from the Netherlands, there will be an extra 24 hour lead time required for delivery, for all parcel or pallet orders placed before midday.

Customers are advised to contact their Nikon Account Manager if they have any questions about the changes.

Leica Camera Expands Medium-Format System New Leica S-Adapter C Enables Use of Contax 645 Lenses Leica Camera has released the Leica S-Adapter C. This adapter allows the portfolio of Contax 645 SLR lenses to be mounted on to Leica S, S2 and S2-P camera

bodies. This therefore increases the number of lenses available for use with the Leica S medium-format system by an additional nine.

With the launch of this adapter, the portfolio

for the Leica S medium-format system now includes over 30 professional-quality lenses for use on Leica S, S2 and S2-P bodies.

The Leica S-Adapter C is scheduled to be available in the UK from June 2013 for a suggested UK retail price is £1,400 inc. VAT.

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SPECIAL REPORT PHOTO

News Get a Grip From July 1st, Olympus are offering customers who purchase any OM-D E-M5 body or M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-50mm lens kit an HLD-6 2-Part Grip worth over £200 free! The offer will be backed by in-store, online and print promotion. The HLD-6 is an essential part of any OM-D kit as it allows users to have additional power at hand with a two-part design allows for easier shooting for both landscape and portrait photography.

NIKKOR Reaches 80 Million!

Total production of NIKKOR lenses for Nikon interchangeable lens cameras reached eighty million in mid June 2013.

In 1959, Nikon released the Nikon F as well as its first NIKKOR lens for Nikon SLR cameras. This year, NIKKOR celebrates the 80th anniversary of the launch of its first model in 1933. The NIKKOR name arose from adding “r” – a common practice in the naming of photographic lenses at the time – to “Nikko”, the Romanised abbreviation for Nippon Kogaku K.K., the original name used when the company was established.

Flash for Video Sony’s new HVL-F43M flash gun is built for the latest cameras and interchangeablelens camcorders equipped with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe. The HVL-F43M offers the popular ‘Quick Shift Bounce’ system that allows instant rotation of the flash head when switching between landscape and portrait compositions. This maintains the same bounce angle in either shooting position for consistently lit photos.

The F43M also doubles as a powerful LED video light for keen videographers.

More Sizes...

More Margin!

As Anthony Jacobs discussed in our last issue, the dwindling number or pure photographic specialists on the high street means that consumers don’t have many places to buy specialist accessories - such as filters. Traditionally a high margin product, filters have a wider audience now that more and more enthusiasts are using interchangeable lens cameras, so now may be the perfect time to snap up Kenro’s expanding range of filters from Marumi.

Available in four new sizes, the Marumi DHG Light Control ND Filter improves the results of landscape photography. There are two new sizes in the DHG Super Circular Polarising range, and new 86mm and 95mm sizes are now available in the Marumi DHG Lens Protect and Super Lens Protect Filter range.

Win, Lose or Draw?

Prize draw winners enjoy a day at the football courtesy of Digital Distribution LTD and Sony

DDLTD ran Sony sponsored draw to win two tickets to the Championship play-off final between Watford and Crystal Palace. Customers ordering Sony products during the promotion were entered into a prize draw to win Gold VIP seats at Wembley to see who would be promoted to the Premier league, plus a Sony NEX-3 to record the event - a total package worth over £1,000.00.

The winner was Richard Wilson of UK Camera Store who took his partner Jo. Jo is pictured here with her dad and friend: all lifelong Watford fans, who were sadly to be disappointed as Crystal Palace won 1-0.

Marchwood to Distribute Crumpler in the UK New distributor for IT and photo accessories.

From July 15, Marchwood will become the exclusive distributor for Crumpler’s entire photo and IT ranges in the UK. Marchwood is one of the leading resellers in the area of high-end and high-margin optical products like binoculars, spotting scopes and astronomical telescopes.

Crumpler offers a wide range of camera bags for every occasion, all tastes and professional levels, designed to accommodate a wide range of camera gear, from a single compact camera or camcorder to an SLR with multiple lenses. Their range also encompasses pure protection gear through to

collections such as Light Delight, Quick Escape or Jackpack.

Crumpler is the specialist when it comes to functional, expertly designed bags which provide the modern photographer with uncompromising functionality, contemporary design and excellent quality, plus a 30 year Guarantee. www.marchwooduk.co.uk

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CCTV by Adam Thirtle - Olympus E-PM1, M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 1:2.8. 1/50th sec, f/2.8, ISO 5000

BONUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17MM 1:2.8 PANCAKE LENS

THE OLYMPUS PEN GENERATION. RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. * Lens value ÂŁ306.37 - free-of-charge by redemption when you buy any PEN E-PL5 or PEN E-PM2.

Offer available until 15/09/13. While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

Pickup a leaflet in-store or visit www.olympus.co.uk/promotions for further details.

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www.jvc.co.uk/hdeverio2013 info@jvc.co.uk

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SPECIAL REPORT PRINT

A Round-the Clock Revolution Photo-Me to Use Photobooth Profits to Diversify Business John Lewis, Non-Executive Chairman, said: ‘We have produced a significant increase in profits against what continues to be a challenging backdrop. Cash generation remains strong and we have increased our net cash balance to £61.4 million.

‘The overall revenue was a little lower than last year and has been on a gently declining trend for some time. The Board is optimistic that this trend will reverse with the rollout of our laundry product.

“Our strategy is to use the significant cash flow generated from our photobooth business to develop complementary products which will drive our future growth. The biggest contributor to the division’s turnover and profits is the photobooth estate: they are very cash

generative and provide much of the finance for corporate developments, including investment in R&D to produce the next generation of products.

“Increasing the number of photobooth sites remains a priority for the Group and the increase of 6% to 24,900 was driven by increased penetration in Germany and the roll-out of the Starck booth.

“While the market for simple printed photos is fairly mature, Photo-Me continues to develop its range of innovative products, the latest of which is the Posterframe machine, designed to appeal to changing consumer tastes,” concluded John Lewis.

AltaImage Beta Test LumaJet’s S200 Altaimage will be the first beta site for LumeJet’s S200 ultra high resolution digital printer. Altaimage has a wide range of high end print options for its clients and the LumeJet S200 will extend the company’s offering with an ultra high resolution option.

“We are very pleased to be unveiling Altaimage as the first beta site for the LumeJet S200.” said Miles Bentley, LumeJet’s Commercial Director. “We were looking for a printer that worked at the very top of the market, and had clients that would appreciate

the ultra high resolution output of the machine.

In Altaimage I think we have a company that sits squarely in that space.

The LumeJet S200 can combine – for the first time, and on the same page – true contone images with crisp fine lines and pinsharp text, liberating design professionals from any concern about optimum output resolution for type or photographic images. The machine features a unique, patented photonic technology resulting in an output equivalent to more than 8000 dpi inkjet quality.

A Round-the Clock Revolution

Screen, the manufacturer of specialist inkjet print on demand technology, have launched the Truepress Jet W3200UV wide-format UV flat-bed printer The printer has been developed as a cost-effective solution for the market looking to upgrade from high-quality, low speed printers. The new six colour + white printer has been designed to meet the demands of the POS, signage and decor markets today with the ability to print onto a wide range of rigid and flexible media up to 3.2 x 1.6m in size and up to a

maximum 50mm thickness.

The Truepress Jet W3200UV, available from October this year, expands Screen’s range of wide-format UV printers which also includes the Truepress JetW1632UV and the Truepress Jet2500 hybrid printer.

The company is growing its sales activities across Europe and is currently recruiting new specialist wide-format distribution partners.

Get Smarter Fuji rolls out updated Smartpix Kiosks Fujifilm’s next generation SmartPix Imagine kiosk software, launched at Focus and spot-lit in these pages, begins rolling out to FDIS members this month.

The same user-friendly interface is promised both on the kiosk and online, whilst the mobile interface has been specially designed for Android and iOS smartphones. The software therefore allows your customers to place

their orders anywhere at any time, with their images securely stored in the ‘cloud’.

Photo projects can also be and stored in the customer’s account until they’re ready to print. Fujifilm’s solution further works with social media sites, so consumers can print from those too.

The comprehensive software

News Plug and Print!

STS Inks have introduced the only available ‘plug-and-print’ compatible ink cartridge solutions for the HP DesignJet 25500 and eco solvent inks for the Roland Eco SolMAX2. These new value-driven solutions are designed to match the original inks, enabling the customer to introduce them to their printer with no profile change or flush.

This means that print service providers can mix STS inks along with OEM cartridges.

Apogee and Canon Partner-Up for Managed Print Services Apogee has become one of the first companies in Europe to be named an accredited Managed Print Services partner of Canon. This news is testament to Apogee’s position as one of the UK’s leading providers of Managed Print Services and underlines its commitment to innovative, reliable office solutions. It also means Canon’s customers can expect the very best service and support for all their digital workflow needs.

Ensor Prints Selected for R.A Exhibition Adrian Ensor has had two of his pictures accepted to the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2013.

The images were shot on Ilford HP5 Plus film with a Rollieflex camera, processed in lford Microphen Developer, then printed on lford Multigrade IV FB Fibre paper. additionally offers retailers a powerful’ online back office management system to help them control in-store, online and mobile platforms along with promotions, pricing, features and wide range of products – including photo gifts, canvasses and posters – in real time. A workflow management system meanwhile allows orders to be processed within a network of stores or outsourced to a print fulfilment lab.

Software updates are automatic and carried out online. In all, SmartPix Imagine is designed to drive revenue, reduce costs and increase efficiency.

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SPECIAL REPORT

MOBILE DEVICES

Battery Boost for Mobile Snappers

“

No more battery restrictions for those using their smartphones for photography!

The mophie juice pack range of battery cases can more than double the range of a travelling photographer or, for that matter, anyone else using their phone extensively throughout the day. The case both protects your phone, and charges it up when it’s low on juice.

The range now includes models for the iPhone 4 and 5, the Samsung Galaxy, and HTC One Android phones. For other models, there are external battery packs, that charge anything that can be charged over USB, even some camera equipment!

Just released is the Juice Pack Plus, the biggest of the iPhone 5 range which packs a 120% charge for your iPhone. Also released in the last month is the Juice Pack Air for HTC One, which joins the Samsung Galaxy SIII

as an additional Android battery case.

Also available is the slimline Juice Pack Helium (80% charge), the Juice Pack Air (120% charge) for the iPhone 5 and the Power Station Universal range, which will charge most USB chargeable devices, ranging from the mini (which holds 2,500 mAh) up to the massive duo (which holds 6,000 mAh)..

Photo Sharing on More EReaders Nook ereader customers now have the power of photo streaming and social photo sharing with NeroKwik app.

Is Device-a-Week Launch Rate Devaluing Mobile?

Looking ahead to the launch of new devices, Victor Basta, MD of Magister Advisors, said: “Value in mobile hardware is eroding rapidly. The pace with which brnds are introducing new devices points to the smartphone becoming as much of a commodity as the PC. “This week there are rumours Microsoft walked away from acquisition talks with Nokia, a business that it has already effectively acquired in all but name. In the first four months of this year alone, Samsung launched an eyewatering average of one new device a week.

“Samsung and Nokia are both looking increasingly like Dell and Gateway, introducing a raft of new devices that only accelerate the perception of the phone as a commodity.

“There is a panic-fuelled chase for the illusory ‘next big thing’ but complete eco-systems, not device makers, are the real winners. Amazon and Apple have created their own mobile universes and will increasingly stand apart from the rest of the mobile market.”

Kenro - The only name in the frame

NeroKwik provides NOOK users with a fast and visually stunning interface that makes it easy to access and share photos stored on any smartphone, tablet, PC, cloud storage service and even social media sites.

“We are excited to provide our customers with instant photo streaming and sharing capabilities,” said Claudia Romanini, Vice President of NOOK Apps at NOOK Media. “NeroKwik gives our users a solution to access all their photos in one place, create photo collages and share them with friends and family.”

Cewe Goes Mobile

Cewe have released an app which allows smartphone and tablet users to create photobooks

The app offers a scaled down but highly functional version of the software which allows users to pull their photos in either manually or automatically to populate their photobook. At launch there are already a range of options for book size, paper type, layouts and number of pages and Cewe say this range is likely to expand with future updates to the app. The app can also be used to order photo prints for home delivery or collection in store (where applicable), and to send a postcard from anywhere in the world, to anywhere in the world using the new app.

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Home & Gift 2013 Harrogate Hall B Stand B60 14th – 17th July

Kenro specialise in top quality photo frames and albums.

Our new 2013 range features a number of elegant gift frames and top quality albums, specially designed for the independent retailer. And with fast deliveries throughout the UK and Ireland you can be sure that we’ll keep you in the picture.

Visit www.kenro.co.uk to view the full range and find out more.

Supplying the photographic & gift trade for 40 years

Kenro Ltd, Greenbridge Road, Swindon, SN3 3LH t: 01793 615836 f: 01793 530108 e: sales@kenro.co.uk

www.kenro.co.uk Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook

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News Power on the Go EagleTech has announced the debut of the NP05k 5600mAh Portable Battery Pack with LED Flash Light and Battery Indicator for Tablet & Smartphone users.

The compact design fits easily in pockets, purses, backpacks, etc. Available in 5 vibrant colors, the portable battery presents a more fun and exciting experience with powering mobile devices that will surely catch attention. A rubber-enclosed, color matching micro USB cable offers greater wire protection and is tangle-free. .

Samsung Make Smart Acquisition Samsung have acquired streaming-media start-up Boxee.

It is thought that Samsung want the Israeli company’s technologies in order to expand their market share of Smart Televisions, and that $30 has changed hands in the deal.

Boxee makes hardware that records content from streaming broadcast channels, allowing users to watch content “from the cloud” on a range of devices, including “Joining Samsung means we will be able to work on products that marry the best hardware and software in the TV space, products that will be used by tens of millions of people and will help to shape the future of TV,” Boxee said in their statement.

DxO’s Optics Pro v8.2 Available This update for Mac and Windows allows DxO Optics Pro 8 to support Canon’s SL1, the Sony SLT-A58, and the Ricoh GR, as well as to incorporate all of the new features of DxO FilmPack 4.

With FilmPack 4, photographers can apply to their digital photos all the characteristic color, contrast, and grain of analog films, along with many original looks, filters, tonings, and visual effects — all of which can be infinitely combined and customised.

DxO Optics Pro v8.2 benefits from the continuous development of DxO Optics Modules. 439 new camera/lens combinations now reside in the library, providing support for additional Canon, Carl Zeiss, Konica, Nikkor, Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, and Tokina lenses.

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AOC and Philips Monitors Out Perform Market The double-brand strategy has proven successful despite continuing tension in the highly competitive British monitor market.

Both brands are subsidiaries of TPV, the world’s largest display manufacturer. MMD, brand license partner for monitors of the Philips brand, and AOC were able to increase sales figures by 9% in the year-to-year comparison. Figures from analyst MEKO show a decrease by 12.9 % in the British market for desktop monitors at the same time. While AOC was able to maintain its market share, MMD achieved a record sales growth for Philips monitors of 50%, compared to the previous year.

According to display market analyst MEKO, MMD with Philips monitors defied

the general negative trend, selling 50% more units than in the same period of the preceding year. Thomas Schade, MMD and AOC Vice President EMEA, sees the key to success in the customer-focused approach with true support of the sales forces such as partner programs and marketing campaigns.

Also decisive: the continuing determination to introduce innovative display products, for example 21:9 format displays, the USB docking monitor 231P4UPES or the highresolution PLS monitor 272C4PJKAB from Philips or the gaming monitor g2460Pqu

by AOC.

Datacolor Partners with onOne Software Three month promotion bundles Datacolor Spyder4ELITE™ with onOne Perfect Effects 4

Datacolor is embarking on a three month promotional offer with partner onOne Software. Rrunning until September 18, purchasers of a Datacolor Spyder4ELITE monitor calibration device will receive a free download of onOne Perfect Effects 4 Premium Edition software.

“We are pleased to offer Spyder4ELITE, the leading Display Calibration Solution for Imaging Professionals in a combo with Perfect Effects 4 Premium from the leading

manufacturer of photo enhancement tools,” said Thomas Kunz, Market Manager Imaging, of Datacolor. “For every serious photographer, a perfectly colour calibrated monitor is a must have foundation for any creative work. With this promotion, photographers will receive a premier bundle package that will give them the highest colour consistency and an easy, fast and powerful way to creatively edit their images with impact.”

Pi in the Sky An image of the Earth from 38.9km in the air has been confirmed as the winner of element14’s global Raspberry Pi camera competition. David Akerman used a weather balloon to fly his Raspberry Pi and camera module up into the Earth’s stratosphere to capture the stunning image of Devon and Cornwall in the UK. Entries to the competition came from all over the world and varied from traditional photographs, to stitched images as well as stop motion and video.

The camera board itself is tiny, weighing 0.04kg with a five MP native resolution sensor.

As David’s prize he will receive each of the exclusive element14 accessories developed to enhance the Raspberry Pi experience including the Pi-Face, Gertboard, XBMC kit and the Embedded Pi all launched in 2013 with more

Amazing images from Raspberry Pi camera add-on.

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exclusive add-ons to follow. The Raspberry Pi camera board is a custom designed add-on which attaches to one of the small sockets on the board’s upper surface. This interface uses the dedicated CSi interface, designed especially for interfacing to cameras.

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AV & COMPUTING

Sony Serves Up World-First 4K Campaign Micro-sized advertisements hidden on tennis star to illustrate benefits of 4k televisions at home.

British consumers will need to take a closer look at Anne Keothavong during this year’s Wimbledon Championship - as the tennis star is sporting micro-sized Sony advertisements.

Sony’s unusual campaign placed ‘microtising’ on Keothavong in a bid to highlight how every detail matters at this year’s Wimbledon. For the first time ever, parts of The Championships were shot and recorded in 4k Ultra HD, meaning even the smallest detail stood out on Sony’s two flagship 4k models – the 55X9 BRAVIA and 65X9 BRAVIA, which were launched during the coverage.

Anne Keothavong sported the microscopic adverts on her fingernails, the hem of her skirt, shoelaces and sporting equipment.

The tennis star, currently ranked as number five within the UK, sees the funny side of the

campaign: “This is a real laugh, I’ve got a lot of friends and family paying attention to the smallest detail – I’ve had it on my shoe laces, my index finger and the hem of my skirt, but there are a few hidden places no one has noticed yet.”

Paul Gyles, Marketing Head of Sony Televisions commented: “With more footage being generated in 4k people are going to see every detail and get much closer to the action.

We thought we’d push it to the limit by running a microtising campaign – proving that Sony televisions can pick up on the smallest details.”

“Marketing campaigns such as this could become a regular occurrence as the market penetration for 4k continues to increase.”

Sony has two of its highly popular 4k cameras capturing the action at Wimbledon – the F55 35mm 4k camera and an NEX-FS700.

Flash Storage or Disk Drives: The Race for Supremacy The question on everybody’s lips within the computer memory industry is whether flash drives or disk drives will be the future of data storage It is not clear who will eventually win out in this fight for memory supremacy.

Statistics show that hard drives are, for now, leading by some way. 524 million disk drives were shipped globally in 2012, compared to just 39 million flash drives. Manufacturing capacity for disk drives was around 125,000 petabytes per quarter in 2012, with the capacity for flash drives just 10,000 petabytes.

But those who favor flash and believe it will eventually win out are encouraging people to look to the expected rates of growth that flash storage will experience. Predictions state that shipments of flash drives will grow from 39 million units to around 83m units in 2013, hitting 239m units in 2016; just over half the number of hard disk drives which are currently being shipped. The rise of mobile devices will contribute hugely to the number of flash drives which are manufactured and shipped, and it is alsoQuarter predicted that corporate buyers09:30:40 will invest Page Ad.pdf 15/5/13 heavily in the technology as they demand

faster speeds and higher capacity.

The world’s economy plays a large role this battle. Basic hard drives are far less expensive for companies to manufacture, and they can be assembled with more ease; where a company investing $50 million into a new hard drive factory might see results within around four months, a flash factory will take two years and cost $4 billion to build. These costs mean that low-cost hard drives will always be more attractive to consumers on a budget, unless manufacturers can find a way to assemble flash drives faster, and for much less investment.

However, many predict that this rivalry will fade and the most popular devices will be the ones combining the best elements of both flash memory and disk drives.

Movement in the Monitor Market

AOC wants to generate some movement in the monitor market with a fresh and competitive monitor line More than 20 different ultra-slim 70 series models are to follow the successful product family 50. The new 70 series offers solid display technologies in an attractive, texturised housing at affordable prices – from entry-level monitors for standard applications to advanced professional models with ultra-high resolutions.

AOC delivers tailor-made display solutions for differing demands. While the Value line targets price-conscious business and home users who desire solid technology for a moderate price, the Professional line aims at meeting exalted requirements without compromises in performance, equipment and design. AOC has kitted out its new 70 series with different connectivity options and other extras. Depending on the individual model, users may expect a wide range of connectors such as DVI-D, HDMI or DisplayPort. With retail prices from £69.99 to £94, the new series is firmly aimed at providing an affordable entry point to high-quality imaging monitors.

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SPECIAL REPORT FOCUS

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Paul Kench, Managing Director for Kenro, explains to Pixel Magazine how a business built on frames and albums is successfully keeping up with imaging today.

Kenro are exhibiting at the Harrogate Home & Gift Show later this month, can you tell us what will be on the Kenro stand?

We will be exhibiting all of our brand new ranges. This is the first time we have exhibited at Harrogate for a number of years, and it is a reflection of the expanding range of products we now offer and the variety of different markets to which we cater.

You have a strong exhibition presence, how important are these shows to you?

Exhibitions are a very important part of Kenro’s marketing. We are continually looking to adapt to the ever changing market place and diversify into other related markets. The market place moves at an incredibly fast rate nowadays, and I find exhibitions are one of the best forums for meeting customers face to face, getting immediate feedback on your new products, finding out more about their business, as well as getting new ideas for the future.

How has the way retailers sell frames changed? Are they still a key source of profit?

Definitely. In a competitive market place it is important that retailers present consumers with a well merchandised range of frames, in a range of sizes with a choice of price points.

The type of frames stocked by retailers has changed. With digital photography there is no real need for consumers to print their photos to view them or share with friends and family.

However, when a consumer does print their photos they will often have more meaning, and so a consumer is more likely to want to do something with those printed photos.

Consumer tastes are becoming increasingly sophisticated in that when they buy a frame they will also consider how it fits in with their home décor. In a tough economic climate consumers may cut back on certain

CREDITS & CONTACTS

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 411601 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Commercial Director: Simon Skinner 01323 433700 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Editor: Laura Knight 01323 437946 laura@lifemediagoup.co.uk

“I don’t think we can view today’s imaging consumer in isolation with the still image. We see good demand for accessories that are popular in the film industry.” expenditure, and rather than moving home they improve their current home.

Sales trends in our frames are now matching the market trends for interior décor quite closely. Thus we are finding that white frames and distressed frames are becoming increasing popular.

How will Kenro’s ranges continue to serve today’s imaging consumer?

Kenro work hard to develop a range in line with the changing consumer requirements. We are also the official UK distributor for Nissin, Benro, Marumi, and Reflecta. All of these brands have exciting new products planned for 2013.

I don’t think we can view today’s imaging consumer in isolation with the still image. For example, the Benro range is popular with bird watchers and the film industry. We still have a good demand for photographic accessories such as Kenair, which is popular in the film industry. The Reflecta range of products also encompasses everything from HD Slide Duplicators and Scanners – through to record players to digitise your old vinyl collection!

People are taking, viewing and sharing more photographs in an increasing variety of ways and our priority is to support our customers by providing a range of products that fits the changing market environment.

One of the shifts in the role of frames can be illustrated via a comment from one of our customers: “In the past we were a minilab that also sold frames and albums, however now we are a frame and album store that also has a minilab!”

What are the opportunities around frames and albums today?

There are great opportunities for photo frames

Production Design: Laura Knight/Harriet Weston 01323 411601 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Subscriptions subs@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Harriet Weston 01323 411601 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Published by LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YD 01323 411 601

Accounts: Clare Fermor Amelia Wellings 01323 411601 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Printed by Gemini West 25 Hockeys Lane, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3HH 0117 965 5252

as well as photo albums. It is important that the dealer merchandises the frames and albums effectively and creates an attractive area within store and drives consumers to this area. It is also important that the retailer has a reasonable selection of frames at a variety of different price points.

Kenro have developed their range of frames and albums to provide a variety of designs at different price points to fit consumer requirements. We have also recently introduced a selection of POS solutions to enable retailers to display our range of frames and albums within a space efficient manner.

Kenro are celebrating their 40th year in business this year. How has the Kenro range of frames and albums developed over that time?

It’s changed significantly. 10 years ago, our range of photo albums was larger than our frames range. However, this trend has reversed and although our albums range has remained stable, our range of frames has increased substantially.

Furthermore, the majority of our photo albums and frames were sold in photographic retailers. However, with the larger range we now stock, and the increasing popularity of internet shopping, our customer base is now more diverse. Many retailers are reducing their space allocation for albums and devoting more space for frames, but there is still a good demand for albums and we have a variety of retail and online customers asking us to supply them with photo albums as consumers are finding them harder to get hold of. www.kenro.co.uk

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Pixel Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Pixel Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Pixel Magazine.

All prices featured in Pixel Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2013 ©

14 www.pixel.co.uk

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